MINNEAPOLIS -- Miguel Cabrera's come so far in the past year at first base that Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland and infield coach Rafael Belliard think a Gold Glove could be in his future.

"He's going to be a Gold Glove first baseman, if he wants to be," Leyland said. "The last hurdle is digging the ball out of the dirt (consistently). If he maintains his concentration, he will win a Gold Glove.

"He has a great glove, great arm and he's absolutely perfect."

Belliard added: "One more year and he will be very good. He makes plays now that last year he had no chance on. I think some day, if he continues to work hard, he can win that (Gold Glove)."

Cabrera has made progress on scoops, and had a couple good ones in the last series in Oakland.

Belliard said he works with Cabrera on scooping balls in the dirt before the first game of each series.

"He's bending his knees better and has an idea now," Belliard said. "The long, in-between hop is his tough one."

Cabrera's communication with second baseman Placido Polanco also has improved, Belliard said.

"I feel comfortable there now," Cabrera said. "That is my position. I feel confident there and will keep working on it."

Third baseman Brandon Inge praised Cabrera's soft hands and his ability to cover the bag quickly.

"I'm really excited for him and how far he's come," Inge said. "He gives us a lot of confidence to throw to him."

Cabrera smiled when that compliment was relayed, saying, "That is a big thing, if your teammates are confident in you that they can make any throw."